The Flachauer Herbstg'sang is a unique series of events that focuses on the joy of genuine, traditional folk music. From Reitdorf to Flachauwinkl, the Flachauer Herbstg'sang fills the entire Flachau valley with folk music sounds from 11 to 15 September 2024. The varied programme ranges from a folk music evening in Schloss Höch, a yodelling hike through the Marbachtal valley, an open singing and music round in the Sattelbauer mountain inn to the grand finale at the big harvest festival in the village centre of Flachau. Further details and the full programme can be found on the official Flachauer Herbstg'sang website.
I asked Martin Fischbacher, one of the initiators of the event, for an interview to give you an even better and more personal impression of what awaits you in Flachau during this tuneful week.
blogHuette.at: ‘Dear Martin, everyone who knows you knows that you are passionate about music of various genres, that you are a sociable guy and that you love the mountains and a good glass of wine. In your opinion, what makes genuine, traditional folk music so appealing and why should people no miss the Flachau Herbstgs'ang in mid-September?’
Martin: ‘Thank you for the invitation to the interview. I'm delighted to be able to introduce you and the readers of the blogHuette (link to www.bloghuette.at) to our ‘Flachauer Herbstg'sang’.
You could say that I was practically born with a love of folk music, as I was lucky enough to grow up in a very ‘singing-loving’ family. But when I was a teenager, I was no longer so keen, so I am now all the more moved by folk songs and their preservation. It is the unadulterated, typical melodies and chord breaks, whether in vocal or instrumental pieces, that make this style of music so original and enjoyable for the listener.’
Here in the Flachau Valley, there are many wonderful ‘box seats’ that add to the atmosphere of singing together. This provides an extra portion of happiness.
Martin: ‘What could be nicer than standing together on one of our Flachau summits and singing a yodel? I've also noticed in my environment that the singing of old folk songs and yodelling, many of which originate regionally from the Flachau or Zauchtal valleys, is now finding favour again with many younger people. That is of course a great thing, after all folk music is simply part of our culture.’
blogHuette.at: ‘What was the inspiration to initiate the Flachauer Herbstg'sang and who is the event aimed at?’
Martin: ‘This event is primarily intended to preserve our folk song heritage, to bring people together - young and young at heart - and to promote singing and making music together so that our children and their children can also hear these musical and lively treasures. As we all know, singing in groups is a lot of fun. No prior knowledge is required for our programme items such as yodelling hikes and singing in the choir. But even as an experienced singer, you are sometimes very happy to have someone to ‘encourage you’. That's why experienced singers and music groups support and frame our singing lessons.’
blogHuette.at: ‘What role do the many local/regional music and singing groups play in the town?’
Martin: ‘Flachau has always been a ‘singer's paradise’ and our village has always produced excellent musicians who make our festivals and celebrations what our guests and locals appreciate so much.’
blogHuette.at: ‘What criteria did you use to select the venues? It's a journey through the entire Flachau valley, from Reitdorf to Flachauwinkl, so to speak.’
Martin: ‘Exactly, it's a journey through our entire beautiful Flachau valley. It was also very important to us to include the entire village, because our long municipality offers beautiful scenic spots and great old walls in all three districts, which are worth presenting as part of an event like this.’
Be enchanted by the charm of Höch Castle, experience the picturesque Marbach Valley and spend wonderful hours together with music and singing at the Sattelbauer mountain inn.
blogHuette.at: ‘One highlight is definitely the yodelling hike. What can the participants expect?’
Martin: ‘Some time ago, I was able to attend a yodelling seminar with some friends, which was organised by the Salzburger Volksliedwerk (Salzburg Folk Song Society) by Leopold Breinlinger and Katharina Hetz. After the first two hours, I realised that this way of teaching and passing on local yodelling is unique and fits in wonderfully with Flachau's autumn singing. One phone call later, I was able to win ‘Poidl’ over for us.’
And this is roughly how it will work: On Thursday morning, we will take a leisurely one-hour hike to the rustic Prechtlhütte in the idyllic Marbachtal valley in Flachauwinkl. Once there, we will dedicate ourselves to the first session. We sing and learn lots of yodelling and folk songs for a change. Annemarie and Hubert from the Prechtlalm will spoil us with a good snack, cake and coffee. The hike takes place in all weathers. Should the weather gods not be so kind to us, we will simply sing in the clean barn of the Prechtlalm.’
blogHuette.at: ‘What do you personally wish for the first edition of the Flachau Autumn Singing?’
Martin: ‘Lots of participants, good weather and a great atmosphere, of course. I'm particularly looking forward to making new acquaintances with nice, music-loving people, exchanging ideas, meeting lots of old and new yodellers and spending some convivial hours singing. :)’
Info
If you too would like to spend sociable hours with other music-loving people with music and singing, then you are cordially invited to the Flachauer Herbstg'sang from 11th to 15th September 2024.
photo credits: Flachau Tourismus - Elisabeth Hartl